MEDICAL Services
-What Happens During Mammography
-Screening and Diagnostic Exams
-Pre-Operative Needle Localization
-Ultrasound In The Evaluation of Breast Lumps
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
Mammography is one of the best tools for early detection of breast cancer. This unique x-ray can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your doctor can feel them, and finding breast disease early greatly improves treatment options.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women have a first, or baseline, mammogram at age 40, and annually thereafter.
Mammography is an X-ray examination of your breasts, and is useful in diagnosis of early symptoms of breast disease. If the disease is malignant, mammography greatly improves your chances of being successfully treated.
The examination will be performed by a female technologist certified by the National American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) both in Radiology and Mammography. She is also trained in breast self-examination instruction. Mammography results are interpreted by a radiologist who is a physician specializing in medical diagnosis by x-ray.
Our centers are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), and meet the quality standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We have received the highest ratings at their annual inspections.
The Elliot Hospital Breast Diagnostic Center and Elliot Breast Health Center also provide Breast Ultrasound imaging, which compliments the mammography procedure. The Ultrasound department utilizes state-of-the-art imaging and is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
Mammography is the most accurate method currently available to detect breast disease when no symptoms exist. Mammography aides in evaluating a lump; it may also detect other areas that are not yet palpable. The possibility that you may have breast cancer is indeed very frightening, but keep in mind that most breast disease is not malignant (cancer).
The following new Mammography Guidelines for women with no symptoms are based on the consensus of a number of medical organizations:
Annual mammography for all women age 40 and over. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or if you have had breast cancer before, mammography may be recommended sooner than age 40.
Perform BSE (Breast Self-Examination) monthly
CBE (Clinical Breast Examination) annually by your health care provider
Before the examination, do not apply any deodorants, powder, perfume or ointment in your underarm area or anywhere on your breasts. Residue from these products could create misleading exam results.
Wear a two-piece outfit, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up for the examination.
If you have had a prior mammogram, it is very important to know where and when your last examination was performed. You may be asked to obtain your prior films before your examination. Prior films are an important part of assessing your current exam to see if any changes have occurred.
What Happens During Mammography
Once your breast is in the proper position, the technologist will use a compression device, such as a smooth plastic paddle, to help keep the breast in this position. You will feel pressure on your breast from this device. Although sometimes uncomfortable, the compression is essential to obtain a good exam. The compression keeps the breast still, spreads the tissue for better visualization and helps to reduce overall x-ray exposure. The best thing that you can do during the procedure is to relax your upper body and shoulders. If you are tense, the pectoral muscle pulls the breast tissue back. When the muscle is relaxed, it enables the technologist to get more breast tissue on the film for evaluation.
Two or three x-rays will be taken of each breast. As each x-ray is taken, you will be asked to remain still and hold your breath.
You will wait while the technologist develops the x-ray images to make sure they contain all of the necessary information. Occasionally, more images may be needed.
Once the examination is completed, you are free to go unless other exams have been scheduled for you.
Mammography uses a minimal amount of x-rays to reveal the internal structure of the breast. X-rays pass more readily through the fatty tissue of the breast than through the blood vessels, muscle and other more dense tissues. The radiologist is trained to recognize the normal structure of the breast and detect any variation from the normal pattern.
If you are pregnant, or think you might be, let your doctor know and tell the technologist before proceeding with the examination.
Screening mammography is not recommended for women under the age of 30 or nursing mothers. Mothers should schedule screening mammograms at least six months after they have weaned their babies.
If you have had any type of breast surgery (any type of biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, aspiration, augmentation (implants) or breast reduction, it is very important to mention this at the time of scheduling.
Individual insurance companies determine how often screening mammograms can be performed in accordance with reimbursement schedules. Your provider can answer any questions about coverage of your exam.
Medicare guidelines state that you are eligible for a screening mammogram every year, and must however be a full year since your last exam. If you should have a medical symptom related to your breast, these guidelines do not apply.
Screening and Diagnostic Exams
Examinations are either ordered as a routine screening examination or a symptom-related diagnostic examination. Screening exams happen when you or your doctor have felt no problems and there are no symptoms or breast-related complaints.
Diagnostic exams occur when you or your doctor have felt a lump, or you are experiencing new breast pain, new nipple discharge, inversion of the nipple, skin dimpling, retraction or have had breast cancer.
The radiologist will study your examination and give their impression to your physician in a written report. You will also receive a summary of your results in the mail. If you have any questions, please contact your referring physician. He/she can discuss the results with you and explain what they mean. Also, your doctor will discuss his/her recommendations for follow-up mammograms.
As a patient of the Elliot Health System, you can expect the best medical care available. We know going in for tests can often be frightening for you and your family. Our expert staff is trained to help you understand what will take place during your visit. If you have any questions prior to your appointment, please call the mammography sites directly.